Carol Vorderman has announced that she intends to leave Channel 4 game show, Countdown after 26 years.

The shows current host, Des O’Connor announced his intention to leave on Wednesday of this week and it is said that Carol can’t bear the thought of bonding with another presenter.

The network’s director of television Kevin Lygo said he was “extremely sorry to see Carol leave”.

“She was the first woman on Channel 4 and has made an enormous contribution to the success of Countdown over the last 25 years,” he said.

“We hope to work with her again on other projects.”

Vorderman’s manager, John Miles said: He said: “Countdown has been such a huge part of her life for so long.

“Carol wants to thank all of the crew, the thousands of contestants who have played the game and the millions of Countdown viewers, for whom she has the greatest respect.

“She is extremely sad.”

Another Countdown regular, lexicographer Susie Dent, said the news was “devastating” for the show.

“It’s the end of an era for Countdown, and it’s the end of an era for me – Carol has been my colleague, my mentor, and my friend for over 15 years,” she added.

“She and Richard together made one of the strongest and enduring shows television has ever seen, and also built one of the closest teams.”